7 Things You Must Know before Traveling to Korea

1, Incheon is the gateway to South Korea

Incheon is the gateway to South Korea

Are you planning on going to the 2014 Incheon Asian Games by any chance? If yes, you won’t have to make a big trip once arrive in South Korea. The de-facto airport where people arrive and leave Korea is called Incheon International Airport. Since 2005, ACI (Airports Council International) named the Incheon airport as “the best airport in the world” every single year. Not bad, considering the airport opened in 2001.

2. Won is the Korean currency of money

Once you arrive at the airport, make sure you exchange your money to the Korean won. One dollar (USD) is worth about 1,000 won. You can convert other currencies to the Korean won. Look at the list below and get an idea of how much things cost in South Korea.

3. Know how to get around once you are in Korea

Know how to use the subway system and how to ride a taxi. There are public buses as well, but they can be overwhelming for first-timers. Get an online subway map in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. Incheon Line 1 is connected to the Seoul lines on the far left side of the map. Taxi fares are pretty cheap, but don’t expect taxi drivers to speak much English. Once you are inside a taxi, simply say, “(the location) + yoh” and the driver will get you there. Hopefully.

4. Know the climate (before you pack)

Nothing is more frustrating than finding out later that you packed wrong kinds of clothes. Korea is really hot during summer and really cold during winter; usually ranging from 0 to 32 °C (32 to 90 °F). It can even get colder or hotter than that, so make sure you bring proper attire for the right season. December and January are the coldest months and July and August are the hottest. It also rains a lot (and I mean A LOT) during summer in Seoul. So having an umbrella is a must.

5. Say no to drugs

South Korea is very tough on drugs, very tough. Consider Korea as a drug-free country with no exceptions.

Rule #1: Do not possess any drug with you at all times.
Rule #2: Do not talk about doing drugs to anyone.
Rule #3: Do not do drugs while you are in South Korea.

If the police find out that you are doing drugs, you may get a free tour to a Korean prison. That may not be a risk you are willing to take.

6. Know some Korean language

Here’s a list of how to say simple things in Korean. These short phrases can really be helpful anytime you interact with Korean speakers.

7. Know the culture

In South Korea, tipping is not part of Korean culture. You don’t have to tip when you go to a restaurant or a hotel. There’s no tipping for taxi rides either.

When you say hello, goodbye, thank you, or I’m sorry to someone older than you, bow your head a little. Do not talk too loudly in public. (Foreign language sounds are perceived as louder for some reason.)

When you give or hand something to another person, use two hands instead of one especially to an older person.

All types of religions are tolerated and respected in South Korea. People do not carry guns and streets are pretty much safe. Many Koreans speak a little bit of English but do not expect them to speak fluently.

Vietnamese engagement ceremony is an important ceremony before the wedding which involve both fiancé’s and fiancée’s families. In the past, engagement ceremony was considered very important even than the wedding...